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Arthur Mintz has seen a lot through his camera lens—the joy of a toddler riding a peddle car for the first time, the solitude of a scholar reading a book and the love between a couple exchanging vows at a wedding ceremony. With his sharp eye and attention to detail, he's captured countless Kodak moments with just a click of the shutter. Although he will be continuing his talent in his leisure time, Mintz will be packing up and leaving his cozy studio come the end of February.
"It's been a pleasure and privilege being a part of my customers' lives," Mintz says. "But let's face it, I'm getting old."
The 76-year-old moved into the building at 20490 SaratogaLos Gatos Road in 1977, months after his first studio at the Los Gatos location he occupied for 12 years burned down. Like his collection of props—toddler outfits, hats, shoes, tea sets and unique furniture—that started small and grew tremendously over the years, Mintz's career began with a simple drive to get good grades in school.
"I took a photography class in junior high and got an A, so I thought 'why not take another photography class?' " he recalls.
Sure enough, Mintz excelled. Unbeknownst to him then, this academic endeavor would gradually become a passion.
Becoming more adept in the field, he was put in charge of all the yearbook pictures during his four years at Fremont High School and developed photos in his tiny bedroom closet, which he converted into a darkroom. At age 16, he got his first real assignment outside of the classroom, shooting a wedding.
While nurturing his hobby, Mintz continued his education at San José State University, where he once entered a photography competition, placing first in all of the five categories presented. After 1 1/2 years at the college, he transferred to the Fred Archer School of Photography in Los Angeles.
Mintz says that photography has taught him a lot about paying attention to detail and being aware of one's surroundings; doing so has helped him to appreciate life a bit more.
"Some people stop and smell the roses, but I stop and see them," Mintz says. "It's important to recognize the beauty around people. I guess I'm just a visual kind of guy."
This profession has also helped Mintz to hone his interpersonal communication skills, especially when dealing with youngsters, who Mintz says can be quite a challenge.
"Every child is different," he says. "Therefore, I have different ways of breaking the ice."
Mintz uses a memorable experience as an example.
"I remember this one boy, a bit of a rebel, who would not break a smile. So I told the boy to repeat after me, 'my father's an idiot.' He did and started laughing."
Although Mintz will be leaving his studio, he says he won't be putting the lens caps on his 10 cameras at home just yet. He says he plans to travel abroad with his wife of 54 years, Marjorie.
"He takes pictures everywhere we go," she says. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. Pictures are just icing on the cake."
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Photograph by George Sakkestad